MUMBAI: Uttar Pradesh is emerging as the hot bed for news channels ahead of elections. Jan Sandesh is the latest to launch, aiming to garner local audiences in this politically active market.

Headquartered in a fully equipped studio in Film City, Noida, the channel will rely on its four OB-Vans, 11 bureaus and 75 stringers across Uttar Pradesh for news.

The channel has the tag line “Apna Pradesh, Apna Desh.” The programming line-up includes Good Morning UP and shows based on health, food, film, travel, astrology, devotional, women’s special, children, youth and career, comedy and variety.

"We have launched the channel and are available on cable networks across the state except on DEN. Soon we will expand this reach to MP, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan and other places where there is a sizeable UP population,” says Deepak Bajaj, the channel head of Jan Sandesh.

The channel has roped in Girish Juneja as executive editor for news and programming. He moves in from CNEB news channel where he was creative and programming head.

Sahara is the only player which runs a local news channel in UP. Zee is also planing to soon launch a regional channel in UP.